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The importance of vitamin D

Twenty-five Harley Street consultant to address doctors

Dr Caje Moniz of Twenty-five Harley Street day clinic will address other medics on the 4th of July at a Nutrition MATTERS, a Continuing Professional Development event held at the BMA.

Those who are unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to tune in via the web.

Dr Moniz – who is consultant clinical biochemist and has held the position of Head of Biochemistry at King’s College - provides expert interpretation of biochemistry laboratory results and clinical advice. Hr will speak on the ‘Biochemistry of Vitamin D: From Lab to Bedside’.

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a greater risk of bladder cancer, according to a new study, adding to the body of evidence suggesting that a lack of vitamin D is detrimental to health.

How to obtain vitamin D

Sunlight is the easiest way to obtain vitamin D, but it is hard to estimate how much time you should spend in the sun as it’s dependent on your skin type. For example, those of African and Asian heritage may need to spend longer in the sunshine to obtain enough vitamin D. It’s also important to take care not to burn.

Some research on this matter has been done in Spain. Researchers from the University of Valencia analysed ultraviolet solar irradiance - or the time it takes for the skin to redden - in Valencia. Rays were monitored for one month of each season between 2003-2010.

The results show that the average person (skin type III) should not spend more than 29 daily minutes in the city's direct sun during July.

In January, the same individual can remain exposed for 150 minutes to get enough of the nutrient.

Vitamin D is also found in fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks.

Should we supplement vitamin D?

The latest advice from Public Health England is that adults and children over the age of one should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D, particularly during autumn and winter.

People who have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are being advised to take a supplement all year round.

So what's the latest thinking on vitamin D?

The CPD Nutrition MATTERS aims to bring medical professionals up to speed with the latest information on this valuable vitamin and will feature case studies on Vitamin D deficiency and Osteoporosis and well as management of nutrition medicine and conditions

Other speakers include Professor Sam Lingam and Dr Philip Hawes and there will be opportunity for a question and answer session for the experts.

To find out how to attend or access this CPD please contact Dr Andrew Barton on [email protected].

Want to test your vitamin D levels?Try The Essential Blood UltraVit Test at Twenty-five Harley Street Day Clinic. This will give you all the important information about your health (including testing for diabetes, throid levels and cholesterol). It will also reveal whether you're deficient in vitamin D.

A large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
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The parts of the body that are involved in respiration. The respiratory tract includes the nasal passages, throat (pharynx), windpipe (trachea), bronchi and lungs.
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Essential substances that cannot be produced by the body and so must be acquired from the diet.
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